Hi All,

I am on my last of 4 chemo. cycles for Bowel cancer after surgery last October.Having XELOX treatment, IV followed by two weeks of tablets and then a week off. My side effects on the first two cycles I class as slight, if odd, and managable by doing simple things ie warming water/cold drinks, wearing cotton gloves (bubble wrap on metal handles too). Only slight nausea, a little constipation and then loose bowels, pooing more frequently and being flatulent, BUT do take all the medication. They are given to help you. My biggest side effects were tingling fingers and throat and the one that I struggled with on the first cycle was feeling down after I stopped taking the steroids. I had two teary, bed days which is not me. Once I realised what was causing this I managed to cope much better on what I refer to as my 'wobble days'. I take things easy and try to get out for a slow walk.

On my last two cycles I have gained a new side effect that is persisting longer on the fourth cycle. That is of feeling tender when slight pressure is applied to my arms, shoulders, thighs etc. All these side effects are manageable and seem to go once I'm off my chemo. With the digestion though I'm not too sure if some of that is due to the bowel surgery and my 'new shorter bowel' settling down I've been told it will take some months.

A surprising problem I feel I've had is that I've put on weight, I remained stable up to surgery then I've gradually put it on. I now need to lose a stone when I can start focusing on that.

I found keeping a daily record helps to look back at what happened in your previuos cycle, so you are prepared for what to expect and how you dealt with it successfully.

Good Luck all and Take Care

J-A-W